A wave of innovators is developing profitable models for sustainable alternatives to industrial agriculture. These new entrepreneurs are developing breakthrough technologies, approaches and business models that can help create a post-industrial food system that is less resource intensive, more locally-based, and easier to monitor and control.

Urban agriculture is the practice of cultivating, processing and distributing food in, or around a village, town or city. Social benefits that have emerged from urban agricultural practices are; better health and nutrition, increased income, employment, food security within the household, and community social life.

With so many cool ideas for green businesses, the selection is a tough one. From urban agriculture to innovative recycling ideas. However, the votes are in. Without further delay, here are the top ten green business ideas as selected by our readers in descending order:

Dutch agriculture minister just announced a groundbreaking development as she unveiled the world’s largest biomass power plant to run exclusively on poultry manure. The plant will convert a third of the nation’s chicken waste into energy while running at a capacity of 36.5 megawatts - enough to power 90,000 homes.

With rising grocery prices and a desire to be self-reliant, eating locally produced fresh food is the latest trend in sustainability. This urban agriculture movement has grown vigorously. Hundreds of farmers are at work in Detroit, Milwaukee, Oakland and other areas that, like East New York. Local officials and nonprofit groups have been providing land, training and financial encouragement.

Large areas of the world already suffer from drought while deserts and populations increase in size. Demand for fresh water has doubled in the last 20 years and as demand outstrips renewable supply, the depletion of ground water is accelerated.
Agriculture accounts for 70% of fresh water used globally. This percentage is often higher in regions that suffer from chronic water shortages. In the Middle East and North Africa, for example, up to 90% of available water is used in agriculture.